The culprit behind Tang Guo's kidnapping remained unidentified, leaving Ye Qiu on passive defense. Tang Guo still couldn't leave the house, and naturally, Lin Bao'er stayed home to accompany her. Shen Monong had to handle company matters, necessitating daily outings. Surprisingly, Beike Song didn't come back to pester them. Initially, Ye Qiu worried that Beike Song, thinking he was a real Ye family young master, might try to establish connections. However, since his last visit, Beike Song had not returned, much to Ye Qiu's relief.
These past few days, Ye Qiu lived relatively comfortably, except for being constantly dragged into games by the two women. Since playing dodgeball with Tang Guo and Lin Bao'er, the two had become addicted, making Ye Qiu play for hours daily.
Tang Guo initially sought revenge but always ended up bruised and battered, unable to even touch Ye Qiu. Her frustration grew, fueled by Lin Bao'er's instigations, intensifying her grudge against Ye Qiu.
September 6th marked the registration day for Shuimu University. The day before, Tang Buyi had Uncle Wang deliver Ye Qiu's admission notice.
Ye Qiu had been admitted to the Archaeology Department, a relatively niche field. In the current economic climate, finding a job post-graduation might be challenging. However, Ye Qiu wasn't concerned about employment; solving the mystery of the Soul-Devouring Ring held greater significance for him.
After breakfast, Ye Qiu, along with Tang Guo and Lin Bao'er, headed to Shuimu University. As one of China's top universities, Shuimu was not a place for the elite, but most students came from modest backgrounds.
Driving luxury cars to school would be too ostentatious for Tang Guo and Lin Bao'er. As their tagalong, Ye Qiu might inadvertently become a school celebrity. Shen Monong advised them to take a taxi instead, which they readily accepted, not wanting to stand out too much.
When one's wealth reaches a certain level, flaunting brand labels becomes unnecessary. Even Bill Gates, in torn jeans, could spark a fashion trend.
The three sat in a taxi, with Ye Qiu in the front passenger seat and Tang Guo and Lin Bao'er chatting non-stop in the back, filled with anticipation for university life.
As they neared the university entrance, Tang Guo suddenly told the driver to stop. She turned to Ye Qiu and said, "You should get off here."
Ye Qiu had the same intention. He preferred not to enter the gates with Tang Guo and Lin Bao'er, whose looks were too eye-catching. Following them around could lead to misunderstandings, and he didn't want people thinking he was their boyfriend.
Moreover, being a university, those with ill intentions towards Tang Guo likely wouldn't dare make a move during freshman registration. Shuimu University was a prestigious institution, and any incident there would be hard to cover up, no matter how powerful one's background.
After closing the car door, Ye Qiu realized he had forgotten to pay the fare. The taxi drove off, dropping Tang Guo and Lin Bao'er at the entrance. Ye Qiu deliberately slowed his pace towards the gates.
Shuimu University's grand archway, adorned with its name in bold characters, stood prominently. Many freshmen were taking photos beneath the sign, while others bustled in and out, their faces lit with excitement and pride at being part of this prestigious institution.
Ye Qiu, however, felt none of this sentiment. If not for his duty to protect Tang Guo and his desire to unravel the mystery of the ring, he wouldn't have enrolled even if the school had paid him.
Scanning the crowd, he saw no sign of Tang Guo and Lin Bao'er, likely busy with their respective registrations. Tang Guo was in the Economics and Management Department, while Lin Bao'er was in the Computer Science Department, meaning they would be separated after registration.
Ye Qiu was puzzled. Despite Lin Bao'er's reputation as a computer genius, he hadn't seen any extraordinary skills from her, except perhaps her nimble movements in World of Warcraft.
The Archaeology Department was obscure, and Ye Qiu couldn't find their registration banner. He was about to ask a student council member when someone ran up to him.
"Brother! Brother, it's really you! Why are you walking so fast?" a panting boy said, reaching Ye Qiu.
"It's you?" Ye Qiu was surprised. Wasn't this the boy whose grandfather he had saved at the mall? What was he doing at Shuimu University? Was the old man a professor here?
"Brother, you remember me?" The boy was elated that Ye Qiu recognized him. "I saw you while registering and thought I was mistaken. I wanted to find you, but I hadn't finished my paperwork. After I finished, you were gone. I'm glad I found you."
"Registering? You're a student here too? Why are you looking for me?" Ye Qiu asked, puzzled. The boy seemed only fifteen or sixteen, younger than Lin Bao'er. How could he be at Shuimu University? Wasn't it supposed to be incredibly hard to get into?
"Yes, I'm Han Shuang, a freshman in the Computer Science Department," the boy nodded cutely. "Brother, I've been looking for you. I even waited at Xintiandi for two days, but you never showed up. You saved my grandfather's life, and we owe you. My father and uncles want to invite you for a meal but couldn't find you. You must come today."
Ye Qiu shook his head with a smile. "No need for a meal. It was nothing. But I haven't found the registration area yet."
"Which department are you in, Brother?" Han Shuang asked, his affection evident.
"Archaeology."
"Archaeology? Brother, you've got taste! Why did you choose that?"
"Personal interest."
"I saw the Archaeology registration point earlier. I'll take you there," Han Shuang offered cheerfully.
Since his new little brother knew the way, Ye Qiu followed him to register.
To read the manga version, please click the YouTube link https://youtu.be/Jw-q2euGywY